Recommend a health care provider

IACFS/ME Primer - 2014 Edition

The Massachusetts CFIDS/ME & FM Association, a 501(c)3 founded in 1985, exists to meet the needs of patients with CFIDS (Chronic Fatigue and Immune Dysfunction Syndrome, also known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome), ME (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis) or FM (Fibromyalgia), their families and loved ones. The Massachusetts CFIDS/ME & FM Association works to educate health-care providers and the general public regarding these severely-disabling physical illnesses. We also support patients and their families and advocate for more effective treatment and research.

Editor’s Note: This article is important for several reasons. Many doctors who treat patients with the Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) and fibromyalgia (FM ) combine traditional medical and holistic/complementary diagnoses and treatments. Patients need to have a sufficient understanding of these approaches in order to determine, along with the physician, which tests and treatments make sense in light of their individual illness. As with any traditional medical treatment, the patient should know why a particular holistic treatment is being recommended—i.e., how the treatment is likely to relieve a symptom or an element of the illness itself.

Because traditional medical treatments have been unable to substantially treat ME/CFS and FM, many patients and physicians have turned to alternative/complementary treatments. Many of these treatments have shown some efficacy, including B-12, Coenzyme Q-10, certain herbs, vitamins, and minerals. Some researchers and clinicians have had some success using amino acids, special diets, anti-oxidants, hormonal therapy (with careful monitoring), and other approaches. Some treatments are controversial—including photoluminescence and removal of mercury fillings. Yet, in 2008, some of the world’s top ME/CFS researchers are exploring the role of vitamins and supplements in supporting energy production at the cellular level. Other researchers are exploring the role of anti-viral therapy.

Dr. Hubbuch’s lecture presents a good window into the practice of medical/holistic therapy with ME/CFS and FM. Note that this lecture was given before the diagnostic criteria for FM was changed in 2010.

Dr. Jeanne Hubbuch was warmly introduced by one of her first patients whom she diagnosed with ME/CFS and FM twenty years ago. Dr. Hubbuch is a skilled practicing physician from Newton, MA who has an in-depth clinical expertise in the evaluation and treatment of ME/CFS, fibromyalgia (FM) and multiple chemical sensitivities (MCS). She conducts specialized diagnostic testing to identify potential underlying factors, such as infections, deficiencies and toxic agents. Her treatment approach integrates western and complementary medicine. She has been in practice for 25 years and has a wealth of knowledge and interest in ME/CFS, FM, MCS and other chronic illnesses. She combines her compassion and expertise to offer the very best care to her patients. Dr. Hubbuch is Board Certified in both Family Practice and Environmental Medicine.

Notice about names

The Massachusetts CFIDS/ME & FM Association would like to clarify the use of the various acronyms for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), Chronic Fatigue & Immune Dysfunction Syndrome (CFIDS) and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) on this site. When we generate our own articles on the illness, we will refer to it as ME/CFS, the term now generally used in the United States. When we are reporting on someone else’s report, we will use the term they use. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) are currently using ME/CFS. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are calling the illness CFS.

Until there is consensus on a name for the illness, the Massachusetts CFIDS/ME & FM Association name will not change.